Anna of Cleves

Fourth wife of Henry VIII

The story so far…

Week 49: Magnificence (Part 1/2)

Anna proceeds from Deal to Dover and on to Rochester. There, the king arranges to surprise her. It is a disaster: she first ignores him and then flinches at the sight. The king, too, is unimpressed with what he finds.

At Blackheath, Cromwell gets his first good look at her. He finds no fault: ‘She is a pleasant-looking woman, who might be married to one of your friends.’ She thanks him for the gold chalice and the sovereign. She thanks him for everything.

She wears on the Bible that she is free to marry. The wedding takes place, her interpreters on hand. She shows Cromwell her wedding ring: ‘God send me well to keep.’ And thanks him for the cakes.

The king confides in Cromwell that he cannot consummate the marriage. ‘Her breasts are slack and she has loose skin on her belly … I do not believe she is a maid.’ He complains of her stiffness, her height, her complexion, her smell. Cromwell makes them embrace in public and it is clear neither party take pleasure in it.